Second Timothy
Second Timothy was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Nine (Chapter 3)
(A PICTURE OF THE LAST DAYS)

Introduction:

In this chapter Paul looks down through the years and with the eyes of the prophet, tells us what to expect. The majority of the chapter reads like any morning newspaper. This is not only a charge to Timothy, but to us in the light of the present.

 

I. An Explanation of the Future (3:1 - 7)

"The last days" is a period of time that actually began with the life and ministry of Christ on earth (Heb. 1:1-2). However the New Testament indicates that "the last days" refers particularly to the state of the Church and world before the coming of Christ (I Tim. 4:1).

A. Lovers of Self -

This is done in disregard for the first commandment. What follows is a breaking of all the other commandments because people did not refrain from having any other gods before them.

[1]. Covetous - "I'll get if for myself" (I Tim. 6:10; Luke 16:14).

[2]. Coasters - "I'll brag about myself" (Ps. 10:3; Prov. 27:1; Eph. 2:9).

[3]. Proud - "I'm stuck on myself" (Prov. 16:5; Prov. 21:4; James 4:6).

[4]. Blasphemers - "I'm above God" (Acts 18:6; Rom. 2:24; 1 Tim. 1:20).

[5]. Disobedient To Parents - "I'm above my parents authority" (Eph. 6:1,2; Pr. 1:8).

[6]. Unthankful - "I'm more important" (Lk. 6:35; 1 Thess. 2:13).

[7]. Unholy - "I don't have to be right" (I Tim. 1:9).

[8]. Without Natural Affection - "I have my civil rights" (Rom. 1:22-28).

[9]. Trucebreakers - "Elect me on my platform, then I will vote as I please regardless" (Rev. 21:8; Prov. 19:22; 1 Tim. 1:10).

[10]. False Accusers - "The end dictates the means, regardless of the truth" (Matt 26:59-62; Acts 13:44-50).

[11]. Incontinent - "I don't have to control myself" (I Cor. 6:9-11).

[12]. Fierce - Charles Manson, Buffalo murders, thousands more in last 10 years.

[13]. Despisers of those that are good (Matt. 2:13, Acts 12:2).

[14]. Traitors - "I will advance myself at any cost" (Jer. 20:10; Dan. 3:8).

[15]. Heady - "rash, hasty, ungovernable" (Heb. 13:17).

[16]. High minded - Too much education (I Cor. 1:19-21).

[17]. Lovers of pleasure - see the entertainment section of any newspaper.

The Christian is commanded to turn away from these as well as those who cause divisions (Rom. 16:17) and those who don't work (2 Thess. 3).

B. Self Loves Religion - (vs. 5)

This-verse indicates that there will be plenty of religion in the last days, but it will be a mere imitation, a form of godliness without the life-changing power. There is more religion upon us today than ever before, but the crime rate increases, divorce increases, and true Christianity slowly disappears. Verses 6 & 7 could very well be a reference to alot of the flourishing cults who primarily prey upon women in home Bible studies. 

II. An Example of the past (3:8-12)

Paul compares these apostate teachers to the Egyptian magicians, Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Hoses by imitating what he did ( Ex. 7). Satan is an imitator, and his imitation Gospel and church will spread in the last days.

If Jannes and Jambres were examples of Satan's work, then Paul is our best example for the work of the Lord. He hid nothing - "Thou hast fully known..." (See Acts 20:17). Paul names the cities in the area near Timothy's home, because he would be familiar with them. Timothy knew Paul's doctrine (teaching) his manner of life (conduct); the purpose that motivated his life (see Acts 20:24; 2 Tim. 4:7); the faith that sustained him in trial; the longsuffering love, and endurance that he showed even when persecuted; and the wonderful way God took care of him through it all. Paul had been a divine object lesson to young Timothy; and we ought to be examples to others.

Persecution is not something that Christ deliberately encourages; but if he lives a godly life, persecution will come automatically (see I Peter 4:12-19). 

III. An Exhortation for the present (3:14-17)

Since these Satanic seducers are going to continue, what should the Christian do? CONTINUE IN THE WORD OF GOD! The only answer to Satan's lies is God's truth.

Verse 16-17 are a great testimony to the divine origin and character of the Bible. Some today say, "The Bible contains the "Word of God," or, "The Bible is inspired the way Shakespeare is inspired." But Paul would not agree with these statements. The Bible is the inspired - Word of God. The word "inspired" means "God breathed filled; with the breath of God." The Spirit of God enabled men of God to write the Word of God filled with the breath of God." The Spirit of God enabled men of God to write the Word of God (see 2 Peter 1:20-21), for the Spirit of God is the Breath of God (Jn. 3:1-8; Ezek. 37:1-14). While men like Shakespeare may have had literary inspiration of a high quality, they did not write the very words of God. "ALL SCRIPTURE" means that every word of God is inspired. Some men make the mistake of stopping with inspiration - but God makes it clear that He also preserved His Word (Ps. 12:6,7).

 

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